Primatology and evolution anthropology

The research of primatology and evolutionary anthropology at the department falls within the two subject areas. The first is ethology of primates and humans, the second is evolution of ape and human behavior and human population history. Within the first subject area, we study individual differences (personality) in primates. We are figuring out how to measure primate personality, how various primate species differ in the extent of individual differences, and whether this variation in behavior related to other individual characteristics. We are also engaged in various aspects of social behavior of primates, such as social function of grooming or infant handling. Furthermore, we study the relation of social hierarchy and levels of stress hormones in primates and humans. In Papua New Guinea, we study people living in a traditional agricultural society we examine the effects of living in this challenging environment on hormone levels and physical condition. Furthermore, we study the effect of physical fitness on the position in the social hierarchy. Within the second subject area, we study evolution of various traits of apes and humans such as social organization, sexual behavior or fur coloration. We also study phylogenetic relationships of human populations (ethnic groups) based on genetic and linguistic data. Using statistical methods developed by evolutionary biology, we investigate evolutionary history of various cultural phenomena such as family structure or religion.